Symbicort alternatives

Looking for a Symbicort alternative? Whether you mean the inhaler itself (budesonide/formoterol) or a different way to control asthma and COPD, there are clear options. Here’s a simple guide to what works, why you might switch, and what to check with your clinician.

Prescription inhaler alternatives

Symbicort is an ICS/LABA combo with formoterol, so the closest switches are other inhalers that combine an inhaled steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. Options include:

• Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) — a common alternative. It uses salmeterol (a different LABA) and may feel different when inhaled.
• Dulera (mometasone/formoterol) — like Symbicort it uses formoterol, so it's a good substitute if you prefer the fast-acting LABA effect.
• Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) — once-daily dosing for some patients with COPD or asthma; different steroid and device.
• Fostair / Beclometasone + formoterol — available in some countries; another formoterol combo that supports MART (maintenance and reliever) strategies.
• Generic budesonide/formoterol — cheaper option where available. Same active drugs as Symbicort but check device and dose strength.

Device matters: metered-dose inhaler (MDI) vs dry powder inhaler (DPI) affects how you inhale and dose. If you switch, ask for a quick demo and a practice inhaler to avoid wasted doses.

Other treatment routes and when they fit

If inhaler swaps don’t help, think broader. For COPD, dual bronchodilators (LABA/LAMA combos like tiotropium + vilanterol) can work better than an ICS combo for some people. For asthma that stays severe despite inhalers, biologic injections (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab) target specific immune pathways and can drastically reduce attacks for eligible patients.

Non-drug steps also change outcomes. Check inhaler technique, review trigger control (smoke, pets, dust), and ensure adherence. Some people benefit from a SMART/MART plan: using an ICS+formoterol inhaler for both maintenance and quick relief — Symbicort and some formoterol combos support this approach.

Practical tips: talk with your prescriber about goals (fewer attacks, fewer steroid bursts, better exercise tolerance), check insurance or copay options, and ask about samples so you can try a new device. After switching, monitor symptoms for 2–4 weeks and log any changes.

Need help choosing? Tell your doctor if you prefer once-daily dosing, have trouble with a specific inhaler type, or have a history of frequent exacerbations — these details point to the best alternative for you.